Trisha has been a Montessorian for over 30 years. In the first 7 years, she earned diplomas from the Association Montessori International in 3 different countries (Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom) at three levels (0-3, 3-6, and 6-12). She completed a summer seminar on adolescence through the North American Montessori Teachers’ Association. Icons trained her - Silvana Montanaro, Renilde Montessori, and Margaret Stephenson – and their words have always led her efforts in the service of the child.
Trisha spent all of her 25 teaching years at the elementary level because she agreed with Renilde Montessori that that was the age of development “that would most appreciate her vibrant personality”. At the age of 27, she was appointed Principal of a small independent school in British Columbia. At age 31, she moved to Virginia to become the Director of Education at another, larger, independent Montessori school. She soon became a Montessori mom and raised her three girls with a clear focus on development and independence. With one of her children having special needs, she spent five years at home but still contributed to that same Montessori school by serving on its board of directors.
Trisha returned to the classroom as her children grew, and enjoyed many years providing inclusive environments and coaching teachers in support of struggling students. At the same time, she increasingly turned her attention and energy to projects that would improve access to high-quality Montessori education for all children.
In 2015, she and colleagues founded the Virginia Montessori Association. She became the President of the nonprofit organization, and it quickly began to build community, offer professional development, and advocate on behalf of the child. She served as President for six years, planning conferences, managing membership, and running the website.
In addition to this volunteer position, Trisha served on the board of the Montessori Public Policy Initiative, the joint advocacy arm for AMI-USA, and the American Montessori Society. She successfully chaired the committee that facilitated the writing of a new strategic plan and also chaired the Governance Committee for this national board.
Throughout her entire career, Trisha has demonstrated a strong commitment to the optimal development of children. In an effort to find bigger ways to help make a difference, she just finished writing a book with Susan Zoll, PhD - Implementing the Montessori Method - Learner-Centered Education from birth through adolescence. She hopes it will support Montessori educators, administrators and parents and subsequently benefit children.
Trisha's experience, passion for Montessori , and love of children comes through in all of her interactions.
Trisha spent all of her 25 teaching years at the elementary level because she agreed with Renilde Montessori that that was the age of development “that would most appreciate her vibrant personality”. At the age of 27, she was appointed Principal of a small independent school in British Columbia. At age 31, she moved to Virginia to become the Director of Education at another, larger, independent Montessori school. She soon became a Montessori mom and raised her three girls with a clear focus on development and independence. With one of her children having special needs, she spent five years at home but still contributed to that same Montessori school by serving on its board of directors.
Trisha returned to the classroom as her children grew, and enjoyed many years providing inclusive environments and coaching teachers in support of struggling students. At the same time, she increasingly turned her attention and energy to projects that would improve access to high-quality Montessori education for all children.
In 2015, she and colleagues founded the Virginia Montessori Association. She became the President of the nonprofit organization, and it quickly began to build community, offer professional development, and advocate on behalf of the child. She served as President for six years, planning conferences, managing membership, and running the website.
In addition to this volunteer position, Trisha served on the board of the Montessori Public Policy Initiative, the joint advocacy arm for AMI-USA, and the American Montessori Society. She successfully chaired the committee that facilitated the writing of a new strategic plan and also chaired the Governance Committee for this national board.
Throughout her entire career, Trisha has demonstrated a strong commitment to the optimal development of children. In an effort to find bigger ways to help make a difference, she just finished writing a book with Susan Zoll, PhD - Implementing the Montessori Method - Learner-Centered Education from birth through adolescence. She hopes it will support Montessori educators, administrators and parents and subsequently benefit children.
Trisha's experience, passion for Montessori , and love of children comes through in all of her interactions.
